Oil Patch Bits: Foss vessels win 2010 Jones F. Devlin Safety Awards

Foss Maritime Co. said June 8 that the Chamber of Shipping of America presented 53 Foss tugs and barges with 2010 Jones F. Devlin Awards for outstanding safety records at the annual safety awards luncheon held this year in New Orleans, La. The coveted awards are given to self-propelled merchant vessels that have operated for two full years or more without a crew member losing a full turn at watch because of an occupational injury. This is an increase of 11 vessels over 2009. Altogether, the Foss ships achieved the equivalent of 221 years without a lost-time injury.

“Safety is a core value at Foss,” said Gary Faber, Foss president and COO. “It is a core value for our employees, for our customers and for all associated with the maritime community. We are proud of our recognition by the Chamber of Shipping of America for our outstanding efforts.”

Three levels of achievement are recognized by CSA: A basic two-year award; a three-year award; and a four-year award. A special award is given annually to ships with five or more years of accident-free operation.